Chapter 25 Starfire
STARFIRE
Elwen pinned another flower on my head.
I shifted, wincing as the movement tugged at where the rune burned.
“Perfect.” She stepped back, admiring her work.
If only she knew I’d be dead in days if I didn’t escape tonight.
My hair was teased into a braid, strung with flowers, and my lips dabbed with a bright red color. And the dress—I’d never seen anything so gorgeous. The bodice was midnight silk with black embroidery. The skirt flared from the hips, the colors rippling like firelight.
A stunning neckline, if completely impractical. The lack of straps left my shoulders bare, and the fabric dipped low in the front. So low, it made running an impossible task. Exactly the kind of thing Kairos would pick to make sure I stayed put.
Gods, he was good.
I met Elwen’s gaze. “You didn’t have to do all this, but…thank you.”
“Do you like it?”
I sighed. “I love it.”
Rheya wouldn’t have lasted five minutes in this chair before squirming, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Let them fuss over me. The warm water, the gentle hands, being treated like I mattered—it felt like something I’d lost a long time ago.
Maybe I should’ve hated being dolled up like a prize. I didn’t.
Elwen’s face lit up. “I’m glad. You deserve to feel beautiful.”
“It’s almost too much.”
“Not at all. Kairos picked it out.”
I played with a strand on my neck. “Really?”
“Yes. He said he wanted you to look like the night sky swallowed a flame.”
“He did?”
She grinned. “Of course not. He pointed at a swatch of fabric and grunted, but I’ve known him long enough to translate.”
I chuckled, warmth blooming in my chest. He’d chosen this for me. I touched the fabric, picturing his hands on it. Had he been thinking about tonight? Anticipating what I’d look like?
Stop.
“What was Kairos like before he got captured?”
“Kairos was a male we followed without question. The people adored him. Even before Father married Kairos’s mother.”
“So…you and Kairos aren’t related by blood.”
“No. He came with his mother when they fled Caelir. He didn’t speak for weeks. Not until Father handed him a blade and made him earn his place.”
“And he did?”
“Faster than anyone expected.”
“Then how did Skaldir capture him?”
She stilled. “They caught me first.”
My hands froze.
“Skaldir warriors raided our camp in the night. They slaughtered everyone but me.”
“And Kairos came for you.”
“He tore through their defenses.” Her eyes met mine in the mirror. “But it was a trap. They let him get close, then closed the net.”
My throat tightened.
“He was still fighting when they dragged him in. They offered him a choice—swear himself to Skaldir or watch them execute his entire host.” She paused. “He refused.”
My nails bit into my palms.
“So they brought me in,” she whispered. “Told him if he didn’t yield, I’d never go home. That I’d become a ward and marry Vaeris.”
“He chose you over his freedom.”
“Yes. And the moment Skaldir realized their prize wouldn’t bend, they marched south.” Her voice hollowed. “My parents led the charge and fell in battle.”
“What about him sacrificing himself for peace?”
“It’s true.” Elwen’s voice went quiet. “He gave himself up, and the war ended. Skaldir agreed to a treaty. No more bloodshed, as long as they had him.”
“So he saved the realm.”
“Yes, but at a great cost.”
“What did they do to him?”
Elwen’s hands trembled as she reached for another pin. “I don’t know, but the male who returned isn’t the same person.”
An image of Kairos in the throne room flashed in my head. A century of frustration compressed into a few minutes. Now I understood why. He'd given up everything for her. A century in chains because he loved someone that much.
“Skalgard is a horrible city. My sister and I tried to leave.” I swallowed hard. “I would’ve made the same choice as Kairos. Anything to spare her.”
Elwen smiled sadly. “He’d been gone for ages. We all assumed Kairos was lost forever. I used to dream about the day he’d return. But then he walked into the keep again. Alive. Free. It doesn’t feel real.”
I picked at the embroidery on my sleeve.
“You’ve given me back my brother, and I can’t repay that debt with dresses.” She clasped my shoulder. “But I’m trying to show how much you matter.”
My chest squeezed.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” I beamed at her. “Tell me about the party. The only ones I’ve known take place in taverns where the bards are too drunk to carry a tune. I have no idea what to expect.”
“We’re not so different from humans when we drink, only louder and more prone to questionable decisions.”
“Will Kairos be there the whole time?”
“He’ll be greeting delegates most of the evening. The southern clans, representatives from the other realms.” She adjusted a flower in my hair. “Uther will probably stick close to you, though.”
I squirmed. “The blood-drinker.”
Elwen stilled. “Don’t say that.”
“That’s what he is.”
“That’s what fools call him when they want to reduce him to something monstrous.
Uther is Dreadfae, yes. But he’s also the reason I still have a kingdom.
When Kairos made the deal, the clans were in chaos.
Some wanted to march on Skaldir immediately.
Others wanted a new king.” She set down the hairpin.
“Uther spent months traveling between the territories, convincing the heads to follow me.”
“Why would they listen to him?”
“Because they respect him.” She met my eyes in the mirror. “He could have taken the throne himself. Mountain Clan would have backed him, but he fought for me instead.”
Guilt twisted in my stomach.
“So yes, he’s Dreadfae. But he’s loyal, clever, and one of the few in this realm I’d trust with my life.”
“Will I be safe around him?”
“You’ll be alright. Just don’t wander too far.”
“Why?”
“Fae events can be overwhelming for mortals. Lots of drinking and absolutely no concern for moderation. Some enjoy food that alters the mind, and others like to lose themselves in other people. You might find more than dancing in the shadows.”
A flush crept up my neck.
She grinned. “You don’t have to participate, of course.”
“I guess I’ll be the only human there.”
“Yes, but there’s nothing to worry about,” she said, patting my shoulder. “They’ll stare and whisper, but nobody will risk offending my brother.”
Hopefully, they wouldn’t look at me too closely.
I stood, checking my appearance again. The woman in the mirror was nothing like the thief who’d run through Skalgard’s alleys. She looked…beautiful. Beautiful enough for a fae king.
Would he look at me the way he had in the library?
No. Tonight was about escape, not impressing him. Even if part of me wanted to see that heat in his eyes when he saw me like this.
My hand drifted to my stomach, pressing where the pain throbbed. Then I smiled, looping my arm through hers.
“Then let’s give them a night worth remembering.”
The courtyard was unrecognizable.
Golden light rippled over the revelers, washing everything in warm amber.
Thick moss carpeted the ground—soft beneath bare feet.
Long tables groaned under the weight of spiced meat and honey-drenched fruit, bread steaming from the ovens.
Barrels of ale stood open. Fae dipped tankards directly into them, laughing as the foam spilled over.
Crystal flutes lined another table, filled with glowing liquid.
Above us, the trees had disappeared. The dense canopy that normally blocked the sky was gone, replaced by endless stars. They burned impossibly bright, closer than they should be. Like I could reach up and touch them.
Drums pounded a primal rhythm. A female played a flute, the melody weaving between the beats. Stringed instruments joined in, adding to the wild energy.
And the fae danced. Not the stiff, courtly steps I’d imagined. They spun and leapt, bodies pressing close before breaking apart. Heads thrown back in laughter. Wild. Uninhibited. Beautiful in a way that tightened my throat.
Elwen nudged me. “Impressed?”
“It’s incredible.” My pulse kicked up as I scanned the faces. “Where’s Kairos?”
I shouldn’t want to see him one last time, but the dress felt heavy on my skin. After tonight, I’d never know if he’d actually cared, or if I’d been right that I was just useful.
“Probably drinking with the other clan leaders.”
Guards were posted near the entrances, as expected. I’d already stashed a bag with supplies in the forest. I’d get to its location, change clothes, and use the map hidden in my boot to guide me home.
I’d never see this place again.
I shoved the thought away. This wasn’t my home. I was leaving, and that was that.
Uther approached in a deep charcoal tunic lined with crimson thread. His midnight hair was swept back, revealing the sharp angles of his face. His eyes flicked over me.
“Didn’t recognize you,” he purred, his lips twitching. “Thought you were one of those Thalir sirens.”
I snorted. “Kairos let you off your leash tonight?”
“He’s busy entertaining clan heads, but he asked me to watch over you.”
“I should join him.” Elwen stepped aside. “Try to keep a low profile.”
He winked. “I’ll do my best.”
As Elwen disappeared into the crowd, a cold sweat broke out along my spine. The fae deal seared like a hot poker held against me. Would I even make it to Rheya before the deal killed me? What if this party was the last beautiful thing I’d ever see?
I clenched my fists.
“You alright, love?”
“Just tired.”
Uther’s brow furrowed. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“That’s how humans act when we’re overwhelmed.”
“Hmm.” He offered his arm with a crooked smile. “Stick with me. I’ll keep the vultures off you.”
I hesitated only a second before slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. His skin was cooler than mine, but solid. A good anchor when the world tilted beneath my feet.
He glanced at me. “First time at a fae party?”
I nodded.
“Here.” He ushered me toward a table and snatched a glass with sparkling liquid. “This’ll perk you up.”